Sexual assault of woman in Sydney park

Police are searching for a man who sexually assaulted a 67-year-old woman in Sydney's west yesterday.

The woman was walking through International Peace Park at Seven Hills when she was approached from behind at about 3:00pm (AEST).

Police say a man exposed himself to the woman and dragged her into a nearby alley.

He tried to remove the woman's clothing before punching her to the ground and hitting her with a stick.

Police say the man eventually stopped his attack and fled.

Officers have interviewed her with the assistance of a Croatian interpreter.

Inspector Maureen Deagan says the woman was taken to hospital after the attack.

"She was very upset, you know. She's fought back as well as she can. She's screamed out and we believe that's what stopped the attack, but obviously she's very upset about what's happened," Inspector Deagan said.

"She's suffered some injuries and we've taken her to hospital to be treated for those injuries and for just the shock."

The attacker is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged about 30, about 183 centimetres tall and with blonde hair.

At the time of the attack he was wearing an orange and blue long-sleeved T-shirt.

Police have asked for anyone with information on the attack to contact Blacktown Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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